5 tips for finding a great coach

When coaching is done properly, it can be the best investment you’ll ever make in yourself.

But the coaching profession is growing like crazy – an estimated 150,000 people now call themselves,”coach”. Back when I took my first coach training in 1978, there wasn’t even a name for this work. Now there are dozens of niches.

So before you decide which coach to work with, ask these questions. You’ll end up with the best possible “fit”. And fit usually means great results:

1. "Are you a certified coach?"

If yes – ask if they’re certified with The International Coach Federation (ICF). That's the organization that provides a lot of guidance and regulatory direction for coaches around the world. If you have a choice, choose someone who’s certified and has been coaching for at least a few years.

2. "How long have you been actively coaching? Do you have testimonials from former clients?"

Many coaches are entering the market today, so it just makes sense to select one with a proven track record of success. Ask if those testimonials are published -seeing real feedback from real people just makes sense.

3. "How much do you charge?"

I believe that ‘comparison shopping’ is always worthwhile...but I’m not suggesting that you just go with the least expensive (per hour) coach. The best coaches offer programs to help their client move forward more quickly than others – so a low hourly rate doesn’t always mean you’ll save money.

To get a better overall figure, ask the coach: “How long will this process probably take?”

4. "Do you provide other tools or materials that I can use between our meetings?"

Most people learn better in one mode than others. Options include being able to communicate between meetings using email, texting, and / or quick phone calls.

And some coaches provide their clients with written materials developed to help you move forward more quickly. These will reduce the amount of time (and money) that you spend with your coach.

5. "Do you offer a Money Back Guarantee?"

This is a hot button for many coaches.

My opinion is that if someone is offering a service or selling a product, then the client has every right to expect that they are getting what they pay for.

If not, the client should be entitled to a full refund.

In closing, obviously I’m a coach. I work with women and men of all ages every day, and I could be your great fit…But additionally I’m the Founder and CEO of the coaching company BSCN. We have dozens of coaches - in all sizes and styles around the world. I’ve personally selected each one. And they all meet all of my tips.

Feel free to visit our website www.BSCNetwork.com for insights about coaching and to check out the different types of coaches in today's marketplace.